HOUSTON—Merit SI LLC, a leading sustainable infrastructure company, announced Oct. 13 that it, along with a subsidiary of Enbridge Inc., has completed project development and construction of the first solar power plant in the U.S. designed to directly help power an interstate natural gas pipeline compressor station. The innovative, clean energy project was sponsored by and will serve Texas Eastern Transmission LP, a subsidiary of Enbridge.

Enbridge’s renewable energy projects (operating or under-construction) across North America and Europe have the capacity to generate approximately 4,600 MW of zero-emission energy (more than 1750 MW net, based on equity stake).

The 2.25 MW AC project, located in West Amwell Township, N.J., at Texas Eastern’s Lambertville Compressor Station, is estimated to reduce associated GHG emission by 58,500 metric tons over its operating life and unburden the electric transmission grid during high demand, higher cost, summer months.

“Powering our compressor stations in part with behind-the-meter solar helps us manage electricity costs and improve our environmental performance. Additionally, these projects bring incremental economic development into the communities we serve,” said Caitlin Tessin, Director of Market Innovation at Enbridge.

Tessin went on to say, “We selected Merit SI based on the team’s solar power plant technical design and integration experience and shared commitment to safety.”

Tom Kuster, Merit SI C.E.O., stated, “Enbridge is at the forefront of integrating renewable energy infrastructure into its existing pipeline network, and we are honored to have partnered with them on this important demonstration of its midstream energy industry leadership.”